Bashundhara Kings have been cleared of all FIFA sanctions, with the final four of 14 bans imposed over payment disputes with foreign coaches and players lifted on Friday night, August 28, removing the last obstacles to the club's licensing for the new season.
FIFA reached its decision after the six time champions settled agreements with the foreign coaches and players involved and completed payment of all outstanding dues.
The move brings relief to the club's management and squad, with local footballers now able to prepare for the campaign without lingering uncertainty.
August 28 had originally been set as the deadline for club licensing, but with the Kings unable to complete the process in time, the Bangladesh Football Federation granted an additional four days, extending the deadline to September 1.
With the FIFA sanctions now gone, no major hurdles remain in the club's path to securing that licence.
The transfer window is still set to close as scheduled on September 3, with the BFF confirming there will be no further extension to that date.
Repeated sanctions over financial liabilities in recent seasons had damaged the reputation of a club that has otherwise dominated Bangladeshi football, making this clearance significant for both the Kings and the wider competitive balance of the domestic game.
Fakirerpool Young Men's Club, relegated last season but still permitted to compete in the new campaign, remain only partially clear of their own sanctions.
One of two bans against them has been lifted, with the second still being resolved following an agreement reached with the player involved.
Immediately after being cleared, Bashundhara Kings moved quickly in the transfer market, signing experienced Nepal international Rohit Chand, a versatile 34 year old capable of playing as a central midfielder or centre back.
Chand has earned 104 caps for Nepal and previously starred in Indonesia's Liga 1, winning the league title and being named player of the year with Persija Jakarta in 2018.
The club also completed the signing of Nepalese winger Manish Dangi on the same day, with both players set to occupy local quota slots under Bangladeshi football regulations.
Under the separate SAFF quota, the Kings have already finalised deals for two additional Nepalese footballers.
The squad rebuild comes as the Kings also lose several players elsewhere, with Fahim, Saad, Sohel Rana and Emmanuel Sunday all departing for Mohammedan.
Core players including Rakib Hossain, Bishwanath and Topu Barman remain at the club, which is expected to pursue further high profile signings under its foreign player quota in the coming days.
The BFF has confirmed the league itself will begin on September 18.